Rangers crash at Tannadice

Daniel Cousin cancelled out Lee Wilkie's opener from the penalty spot before Barry Robson claimed all three points for the home side, also from a spot-kick.

The 2-1 win allowed United to move level on points with Rangers, who have taken just seven points from a possible 15 on the road this term.

The home side then had the first real chance of the match when Hunt connected with a Sean Dillon cross and nodded just over the crossbar with a diving header from six yards.

At the other end, Rangers had the net bulging when Cousin rifled home a Barry Ferguson free-kick but the offside flag was already raised.

Instead, it was Dundee United who took the lead with 27 minutes gone. Willo Flood flighted a free-kick into the box, which was met by a Wilkie volley at the back post.

Amdy Faye was hooked after 45 minutes of his debut at Hearts and he was sacrificed at the break once again as Rangers attempted to haul themselves back into the game by throwing Nacho Novo into the action.

Gers could have drawn level shortly after the restart when McCulloch punted a great ball into the box and Cousin drew an impressive block from McLean, before sending a left-footed drive wide of the upright.

Parity was restored after 52 minutes when Christian Kalvenes hauled down DaMarcus Beasley in the box and Cousin stepped up to convert from the penalty spot. United then reclaimed their lead two minutes later when they were also handed a spot-kick. Carlos Cuellar was penalised for a foul on Jordan Robertson and Robson did the honours from 12 yards.

Allan McGregor was then called into action to touch a thunderous Prince Buaben shot just past the post as United attempted to put the game past their visitors. Rangers pushed forward in numbers in a desperate attempt to take something from the game but United held firm and Smith's men left Tannadice empty-handed.